JiiVee
04-09-2010, 10:09 AM
Finland is withdrawing its peacekeepers from Chad. A government committee and President Tarja Halonen made the final decision on the matter on Friday.
Finland has around 80 peacekeepers in the eastern part of Chad. They are stationed there as part of an Irish-led mission. Ireland made a similar decision to withdraw troops last week.
Finland based its decision to withdraw on the uncertainty of the operation's future. Furthermore, Finnish troops would lack necessities to operate due to the Irish withdrawal.
Ireland and Finland aim to leave the country by the end of May. At the latest, troops will be withdrawn by early June.
The operation was tasked with protecting thousands of refugees and promoting aid work.
Finland is also considering joining the European Union's Atalanta operation which aims to protect ships off Somalia from pirates. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be Finland's main international crisis management operation in the near future.
YLE, Reuters
http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2010/04/finland_to_withdraw_troops_from_chad_1594634.html
Finland has around 80 peacekeepers in the eastern part of Chad. They are stationed there as part of an Irish-led mission. Ireland made a similar decision to withdraw troops last week.
Finland based its decision to withdraw on the uncertainty of the operation's future. Furthermore, Finnish troops would lack necessities to operate due to the Irish withdrawal.
Ireland and Finland aim to leave the country by the end of May. At the latest, troops will be withdrawn by early June.
The operation was tasked with protecting thousands of refugees and promoting aid work.
Finland is also considering joining the European Union's Atalanta operation which aims to protect ships off Somalia from pirates. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be Finland's main international crisis management operation in the near future.
YLE, Reuters
http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2010/04/finland_to_withdraw_troops_from_chad_1594634.html